Chapter 208: Deafening Silence
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“Hui’er, you’ve endured so much by coming into the palace with me,” the king said, holding Consort Hui’s hand. His voice was filled with emotion. “Seeing you so concerned about the other concubines, how can I not be moved?”
The king’s harem was vast, filled with women chosen from the daughters of nobles and officials. As a ruler, he had to treat them all equally to maintain balance within the court and his reign. But Consort Hui was different; she was his one true love, making her all the more precious.
“Your Majesty,” Consort Hui replied earnestly, “I’ve never sought to compete for your favor with the other ladies in the harem. I never wanted to monopolize your attention. You belong to the entire palace, to everyone.”
She was the only one he had chosen himself. Even after many years in the palace, with countless younger and more beautiful concubines around, none could shake her position. Consort Hui’s calm and dignified nature set her apart. She never lowered herself to seek his affection, and this unyielding disposition only made him cherish her more.
Now, seeing Consort Hui go out of her way to curry favor with the other concubines, the king was profoundly moved.
[What a fool… He’s almost crying from gratitude, isn’t he? It’s obvious she doesn’t want to monopolize you; she wants to control all the other women in the harem…]
As they approached the doors, the queen greeted them outside. Her expression fell slightly upon seeing Consort Hui, her smile fading a bit.
[What’s going on? The dignified queen herself looks upset… What did she do to cause this?] Chao Chao thought curiously.
“Consort Hui waited outside for half an hour. Why didn’t you let her in?” the king asked, his brows knitting in displeasure. He had always treated the queen with respect and had never seen her act so petulantly.
“Her Highness was napping. It was my oversight not to inform her. Please punish me, Your Majesty,” the head maid pleaded, kneeling.
Consort Hui’s face darkened as she saw the king scolding the queen.
“I was willing to wait, Your Majesty. This has nothing to do with Her Highness,” Consort Hui interjected.
As Consort Hui approached the queen, the latter quickly stepped back as if even the thought of contact was unbearable. The king’s anger grew at this sight.
“My queen, you have always been understanding, never one to be jealous. Why can’t you tolerate Consort Hui?” he asked as they entered. Consort Hui, eager to please, poured tea for the queen, her eyes bright and animated.
The king’s cup remained empty. He coughed lightly, and Consort Hui, seemingly just noticing, hurriedly poured him a cup, though a bit carelessly. Some tea even splashed onto his sleeve, but she didn’t seem to notice.
“Your Highness, these are pastries I made myself. Please try them. They have a hint of hawthorn, very refreshing,” Consort Hui said, her eyes gleaming as she looked at the queen, much more enthusiastic than when facing the king.
“I don’t want them. Take them away,” the queen replied coldly, not even glancing at the offering.
The king set his cup down heavily, refraining from harsh words only because the crown prince was present.
“This is Consort Hui’s heartfelt gesture,” he said, seeing her efforts to ingratiate herself with the queen, who did not appreciate it, and feeling a deep sense of frustration.
The queen laughed coldly, her gaze at the king full of disdain.
“I don’t need these tokens of affection. Consort Hui, don’t bother visiting me unless necessary!”
“You don’t act like a queen, with such pettiness. Is this the education the Rong family gave you?” the king’s anger flared, his cup hitting the table with a resounding thud.
Servants fell to their knees, trembling. Consort Hui’s eyes were filled with worry as she saw the queen’s red-rimmed eyes.
“The queen doesn’t need to eat if she doesn’t want to. You don’t understand women at all. Women aren’t your possessions; you should respect them.” Consort Hui even managed to subtly chastise the king.
The king felt a bit uncomfortable, sensing a hidden meaning in her words.
Consort Hui carefully addressed the queen, “I am not like His Majesty. I understand you, Your Highness. I would never force you to do anything. I respect all your choices.”
Chao Chao shivered, feeling goosebumps. The king also seemed… uneasy.
“Enough, let’s have the meal,” the king said, rubbing his temples. He couldn’t understand why the queen harbored such deep hostility toward Consort Hui. Despite his affection for Consort Hui, he had always ensured the queen had the respect and status she deserved. Why couldn’t she tolerate Consort Hui?
The queen looked dispirited, not wanting to speak. Her eyes filled with sorrow and helplessness as she gazed at the king.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“Next month on the eighth is Her Highness’s birthday. I have a surprise planned for her,” Consort Hui said with a smile.
The king felt a pang of jealousy. Consort Hui treated the queen better than him. But seeing Consort Hui humble herself for his sake, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
“Look at how thoughtful Consort Hui is. Every year, she prepares a gift for your birthday.”
“When you were sick, she stayed up all night, refusing to rest.”
“When you sneezed, she made medicine for you, burning her hands in the process.”
“She cares more about your birthday than her own, copying scriptures last year until her arms ached.”
The crown prince coughed, interrupting his father.
[Oh no, the queen is touched!]
[He’s actually convincing her!]
[What is he doing? The queen just glanced at Consort Hui! Oh my…!]
The king looked at the prince, whose coughing was becoming severe.
“Have the royal physician check on you this afternoon. We don’t want you catching a cold,” he said.
The prince nodded, covering his mouth with his fist.
“Make sure the kitchen sends marinated stuffed duck and deer tendon stew with lamb, and add a Luohan vegetable dish. The queen enjoys those,” Consort Hui suggested. “And some black chicken soup would be good for her health. It’s getting cold, and she needs to keep warm to avoid stomach aches.” She even knew the queen’s menstrual cycle and pain.
The king’s eyelid twitched. He didn’t even know the queen liked those dishes!
“Do you remember my favorite food?” the king asked unintentionally.
Consort Hui’s face froze slightly, her fingers tightening around her handkerchief. She was about to change the subject when Chao Chao piped up.
“The three delicacies fish maw soup is tasty!” she exclaimed, excited about food.
“That’s Consort Xian’s favorite,” Consort Hui replied without missing a beat.
“And the crab soup is good,” Chao Chao added.
“That’s Madam Qin’s favorite…” Consort Hui answered, still calm.
The king was stunned. Consort Hui knew the preferences of the harem ladies so well!
“You have put so much thought into me, Hui’er,” he said, touched. “For someone so detached from worldly affairs, you’ve made such efforts for my sake.”
Consort Hui opened her mouth but said nothing.
Everyone remained silent until the silence grew deafening.
Omayghad the consort wants to control the harem cause she wants the harem for her own HAHA!